Spax vs QA-1 adjustable shocks

[Harry L.]

Can either one of these shocks be installed directly on the front and the rear of my 1966 427 390 hp with factory a/c, without having to do any modifications to my stock car? Considering an upgrade, to my suspension. thanks for any facts of sorts DUTCH

[Duke W.]

Re: Spax vs QA-1 adjustable shocks

Both are rebound adjustable and both have specific part numbers for C2/3 Corvettes, so they bolt on without modifcations - just like any OE replacement shocks.

If you like to drive in a sporting manner the first suspension pieces to upgrade are tires and shocks, and rebound adjustable shocks are the best way to go because you can "tune" the ride and handling to your specific road types and driving preferences. Most guys buy cheap tires and cheap shocks, then spend hundreds, if not thousands, on aftermarket springs, anti-roll bars, bushings, etc to make their car "handle better". They are clueless!

You must be one of the few vintage Corvette owners that has that special gene that allows one to grasp at least a basic understanding of vehicle dynamics. Most of the others are OEM and race team engineers.

To quote Bob Riley: "Ninety percent of setting up a [race] car for a specific track is shock tuning". And the same can be said for setting up a road car for specific driving conditions (think in terms of average speeds and road smoothness or lack of it) and individual preferences.

Duke

[Harry L.]

Re: Spax vs QA-1 adjustable shocks

I called the Rep for QA-1 adjustable shocks. He had an adjustable shock with 18 adjustments, for around $170.00. The Spax shock was 12 adjustments for $79.00.The 6 adjustments is not that big of a difference, but the price is. Are the difference in performance, equal to the difference in price? Just trying to decide which shock to buy. DUTCH

[Duke W.]

Re: Spax vs QA-1 adjustable shocks

I know one guy with QA-1s on a '65, and he is happy with them.

I have Spax on my Cosworth Vega, which has higher ride frequencies (i. e. stiffer) than the base Corvette suspension, and they had enough adjustment to get the rebound damping I wanted, but IIRC I had to go to near the limit on the fronts and the rears are about halfway. The higher the ride frequencies, the more rebound damping you need.

They replaced a set of Bilstein Sport shocks that are not adjustable. The front rebound damping was insufficient and the rear was too much.

For the money, I'd go for the Spax.

Duke

[Jim D.]

Re: Spax vs QA-1 adjustable shocks

I have QA-1's on all 4 corners of my Cobra. I love them.

[Duke W.]

Re: Spax vs QA-1 adjustable shocks

I don't think I could "love" shocks or any other automotive part.

They either met your performance/durability criteria or they don't.

Duke

[Jim D.]

Re: Spax vs QA-1 adjustable shocks

I don't think I could "love" shocks or any other automotive part.

They either met your performance/durability criteria or they don't.

Duke

I LOVE my wife, friends, cars, cats, good food/drink, parts that work well and everything that gives me pleasure.

You must be a real romantic devil - "Goodnight Mrs. Williams, you meet my performance and durability criteria".